UpRide turns daily rides into data that drives change.
Every UpRider has a story. Here is Paul’s.
What happened prior to this incident and why do you record your ride?
I’ve had multiple close passes over the years. I started recording to protect myself when the original Fly6 came out, but it was a close pass involving my wife and me about seven years ago that really showed me the value of having a camera. I contacted the company and emailed them the footage – they apologised immediately.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
At night, in the wet – or worse, on wet nights – especially on rural roads.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?
The three “E”s are critical, but enforcement often seems to be undermined by police officers allowing their personal sympathies for drivers to interfere. Reporting traffic violations is also unnecessarily difficult. Only recently have the Irish police allowed online reporting, but you still need to go to the station to give a statement – and you can’t upload videos.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
I submitted an online report to the Irish police and was contacted by a local officer who invited me to come in and give a statement.
The driver received an £80 fine and three demerit points for the incident, a modest penalty that still serves as a reminder of the consequences of unsafe driving around cyclists.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Report close passes, it will change behaviour.
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